Classical Music News

Violinist Samuel Vargas Teixeira Joins Faculty at Schwob School of Music

August 5, 2024

2 MIN READ

The Venezuelan violinist and Sphinx Competition winner will step into the role at Columbus State University on August 12, 2024

Violinist Samuel Vargas Teixeira has accepted a faculty position at his alma mater, the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. He will step into the post from August 12, 2024, and will teach a studio of seven violinists.

The winner of the 2021 Sphinx Competition, Vargas Teixeira was also made a Yamaha Young Performing Artist (2019), won the Grand Prize of the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition (2019), won First Prize in Atlanta’s GA Philharmonic Competition (2017), and was Concertmaster Ambassador of the United Nations (2014).

Vargas Teixeira first began learning music through Venezuela's El Sistema program. He came to America in 2017 as a result of winning the Woodruff Award, which facilitated his studies at Columbus State with Sergiu Schwartz.

He is also the founder of the Samuel Vargas International Music Foundation, which provides opportunities for those who could not otherwise afford music education to have access to it.

Alongside his individual teaching at the Schwob School of Music, Vargas Teixeira will also serve as the school's chamber music coordinator and will teach classes in string literature, violin literature, violin pedagogy, violin excerpts, and a general music appreciation class.

"I am excited to announce that I will be joining the string faculty at Columbus State University Schwob School of Music," Vargas wrote on social media. "I want to dedicate this accomplishment to my mentor, Sergiu Schwartz, and my loving family and students who have supported me in this journey."

"I am very excited for this new chapter," he added. "I can’t wait to see what my students will do this year through the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. Through music and the opportunities given by the school and my Foundation combined, I am confident my students will be impacted by a holistic approach and the opportunity to have a space for self-discovery and personal development to positively influence their own lives and the lives of others in the community."